European lightweight champion Tatli has his eyes set on world title fight in 2017

The 29 year-old Albanian Finn, who has lost just once in 29 bouts, puts his EBU strap on the line for the third time on December 17 and has been training hard in order to put in an eye-catching performance for the fans.

“I’m very confident and sure about my performance. I’ve been training very well and getting prepared as usual,” Tatli exclusively told World Boxing News.

“I’ve been focusing to the inside fighting, close distance and defence. As you all know, you have to be able to stay in deep waters from time to time.

“I expect a tough fight as Lancia is coming to take the title, but either way the result will be the same….and still.”

Tatli’s solitary loss came against Richar Abril for the WBA title in 2014, something the Kosovan-born fighter would like to rectify in future, along with facing some of the bigger names at 135 pounds or above.

Asked about the possibility of rekindling talks with Ricky Burns after a fight between the two fell through in the past, Tatli seemed open to the idea of a move up to the super-lightweight limit.

“Yes, Ricky Burns would have been a good fight for me but sometimes the possibilities are just coming at a bad moment. We have a plan, but let’s reveal it after I’ve been taking care of Lancia.

“I’m going to retain my EBU Lightweight title on December 17, that’s for certain. Which way it will come, I’m not sure. But I’m 100% sure that I will stop him Lancia soon as there is a chance for it and then we can talk about the future,” he added.